Acidic Neutralization by Indigenous Bacteria Isolated from Abandoned Mine Areas

Critical steps in the restoration of coal mine soils: Microbial-accelerated soil reconstruction

Soil reconstruction is a critical step in the restoration of environments affected by mining activities. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the significant role that microbial processes play in expediting soil structure formation, particularly within the context of mining environment restoration. Coal gangue and flotation tailings, despite their low carbon content and large production volumes, present potential substrates for soil reclamation. These coal-based solid waste materials can be utilized as substrates to produce high-quality soil and serve as an essential carbon source to enhance poor soil conditions. However, extracting active organic carbon components from coal-based solid waste presents a significant challenge due to its complex mineral composition. This article offers a thorough review of the soilization process of coal-based solid waste under the influence of microorganisms. It begins by briefly introducing the primary role of in situ microbial remediation technology in the soilization process. It then elaborates on various improvements to soil structure under the influence of microorganisms, including the enhancement of soil aggregate structure and soil nutrients. The article concludes with future recommendations aimed at improving the efficiency of soil reconstruction and restoration, reducing environmental risks, and promoting its application in complex environments. This will provide both theoretical and practical support for more effective environmental restoration strategies.

Novel Endophytic Pseudescherichia sp. GSE25 Strain Significantly Controls Fusarium graminearum and Reduces Deoxynivalenol in Wheat

Fusarium heading blight (FHB) is a devastating disease in wheat, primarily caused by field invasion of Fusarium graminearum. Due to the scarcity of resistant wheat varieties, the agricultural sector resorts to chemical fungicides to control FHB incidence. On the other hand, biocontrol represents a promising, eco-friendly approach aligned with sustainable and green agriculture concepts. In the present study, a bacterial endophyte, Pseudescherichia sp. (GSE25), was isolated from wheat seeds and identified through complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In vitro testing of this endophytic strain demonstrated strong antifungal activity against F. graminearum PH-1 by inhibiting spore germination, suppressing germ tube growth, and causing cell membrane damage. Under field conditions, the strain GSE25 significantly reduced the FHB incidence and the associated deoxynivalenol mycotoxin accumulation by over 60% and 80%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of the isolated bacterial endophyte Pseudescherichia sp. GSE25 strain as a biocontrol agent in protecting wheat from FHB-caused F. graminearum. This is the first report showing a biocontrol effect of Pseudescherichia sp. a strain against phytopathogens.